After an exploratory camera was put into my heart 3 years ago the left side of my hand went numb just like you explained... The surgeon tried to blame it on the way I rest my elbow and that cause a pinch in the nerve...

Well 3 years later it is still numb,but I hardly recognize it now,the feeling is faint and unless I am thinking about it,I don't know it's there...

Fact is,after time you get used to it...